PDL service drops Napier call, as port coverage is replaced by new slots on Swire’s Trans Tasman

Pacific Direct Line (PDL) has announced to drop the present call at Napier from its Australia and New Zealand to Pacific Islands (New Caledonia, Fiji) service. The port will last be served on 10 October by the CAPITAINE TASMAN. At the same time, the present Auckland and Tauranga calls are to swap places on the loop, with Tauranga to be called first.

PDL will maintain (westbound) links from Napier to Australia by starting to slot on the China Navigation (Swire) operated ‘Trans Tasman’ service, to which a Napier call will be added. The loop offers one sailing every 17 days. The first Napier call is scheduled for 28 October.

At the occasion of PDL’s new participation, Swire will also upgrade the ‘Trans Tasman’ service’s capacity and replace the present fleet of 678 teu, 12,000 dwt muptipurpose units with two 1,022 teu, 24,000 dwt ships.